Faults:

Cutting out - no one has been able to fix it, including Holden.

Air bag light staying on.

Engine light staying on.

Handbrake locking.

Radiator needed replacing.

Central locking faulty.

General Comments:

When running properly it is a dream to drive, but the problems outweigh that by a landslide.

Price of parts is absolutely disgusting. You would think for the price you would be getting gold plated everything.

Never again.

Faults:

Oil Sump replaced at purchase (covered by dealer).

Re-breather Line broken, did all fuel lines as the main line seemed to be wearing 149500km - $500 for all day job.

General Comments:

Got this car under recommendation from my father in law. Knew, being European, it would cost more to repair but not as much as it seems to turn out (been quoted $1500 - $2000 to replace the timing belt at 160000km, first one done at 80000km).

That said it is a beautiful little car to drive and cruise control just makes life that much easier. The V6 gives it plenty of power, but is quite miserly on the fuel and turns out to be cheaper to run (fuel wise) than my old VN, despite needing Premium fuel. The cheaper fuel costs are made up with the higher parts costs. That said this is one car where it is best practice to get a quality mechanic to do your regular servicing to prevent the really expensive issues. I'd rather pay $2000 to replace the timing belt than $5000 to replace the engine.

The seats can be a little firm but not so hard that they hurt too seriously. Took it on a 3 hour drive with no real drama. I'm 6'1" (189cm) and I find the cabin space is great, as long as no one sits behind me. Someone mentioned the odometer can be difficult to read, I just use the trip computer when I wish to see my mileage.

Faults:

Odometer is not visible.

General Comments:

Good car generally runs well, but couldn't pass a warranty of fitness as the digital odometer is barely visible. Would like to know how to fix without spending the earth.

Faults:

1997 Holden Vectra -

Lovely car to drive and sit in but...

Has a lot of problems in the Australian climate.

Had to get cam sensors done around 70000kms.

Fuel injection system done around 5000kms after that.

Exhaust replaced every 2 months (own fault for short distance driving).

Timing belt snapped at 85000, and broke engine head ($3500) No notification or news about Holden changing the belts at around 60000kms.

A lot of small things have gone wrong (electronic and engine wise)

General Comments:

Overall the 1997 GL Vectra is a very nice ride, very economical, and is and sounds very sporty. But the whole engine is a hole in your wallet or purse.

Faults:

Head gasket blew at 98000 and then again at 104500 due to incorrect installation at 98000 -insurance paid for both times.

Rear seat belts needed replacing- just worn.

105000kms - ac just stopped working -will take it in next week.

Front suspension made noises -tightened nuts and now all good.

Occasionally something makes a huge vibrating noise when accelerating the car around 5500revs? -comes from front right.

Battery just got replaced at 105000.

LCD trip display -half the pixels don't work.

Gearbox is starting to crunch when changing from 1st to 2nd.

General Comments:

Excellent handling and very comfortable to cruse in.

Interior lasts well.

Very good with fuel consumption when traveling up to 130kph.

Insurance covered most of the faults so I am pretty happy - bit worried when the insurance runs out in 2 years...

Faults:

IAC valve replaced (15,000k).

Fuel filler pipe collapsed and replaced (30,000k).

Roof bar needed rebonding to the roof panel (30,000k).

Fuel pump, idler bearings and belts (48,000k).

Remote Key / Immobiliser communications are intermittently faulty. Still under investigation.

Steering column squeals.

General Comments:

In 1997 this was the best value for money 2.0L hatch available (v 626, Golf, Mondeo, Impreza, Xsara, 306 etc). Has been an excellent touring car with great ride, and performance for a 2.0L 4 cylinder.

Fuel economy 10.0 l/100k city, 6.8 l/100k touring.

Air conditioning/ventilation system not up to Australian conditions. Need to have the ventilation fan on at all times.

Several design faults which have been mentioned everywhere, but you can't expect Daimler Benz engineering quality for $26,000.

My first experience with unreliability exactly 4 years after manufacture.

So far the local dealership have been great, I just hope the car doesn't become a "regular".